Attitude, gratitude, and a positive mindset are important qualities to instill in children in order to help them shift their perspective. How we perceive the world, and how we teach children to perceive the world, matters!

We all know the comparison of viewing the glass jar as empty or full. The way children view their glass will affect how they solve problems or deal with difficult situations. Teaching children that their attitude plays an important role in the challenges they face will equip them to deal with life. One of the best ways we can show children a positive attitude is to be exemplars in our own lives. When children see adults that remain positive in hard situations, or look on the bright side of an adverse situation, children will innately begin to adopt similar perspectives.

As parents and educators, we want to give children the tools they need to tackle new experiences. Negative thoughts can creep into their mind if they are not given the tools they need to succeed.

Below are some tools and resources that we like to use in our Yogi Beans experiences to help children cultivate the concept of attitude: 

• Rose + Thorn: The objective of this game is to turn a negative into a positive. You start by asking the child what the “thorn” of their day was. The thorn is something that happened during the day that was upsetting. Then, ask the child if they can turn their thorn into a Rose. This game is particularly helpful in helping children to analyze and reflect upon situations that arise and “troubleshoot” ways to solve them.

• Affirmations: One way we incorporate positive attitude and perspective is by repeating mantra. In yoga, SA-TA-NA-MA is a Sanskrit mantra to reaffirm our true identity. A variation on SA-TA-NA-MA is to create a basic four syllable mantra such as “I-AM-VERY-HAPPY” or “I-AM-VERY-STRONG.” While reciting this mantra, say each word while tap your fingers, one at a time to the thumb, as you speak. This helps children affirm and internalize a positive perspective, calm the mind, and reset the nervous system.

• Be Your Own Cheerleader: Each child writes his or her name vertically on a piece of paper. Next to each letter of their name, children write a positive attribute or something that makes them feel good about themselves. For example, “L: loves kids,” “A: altruistic,” “U: unique,” “R: real,” “E: enthusiastic,” “N: nature lover,” etc. This game promotes self-esteem and self-worth. For older kids, ask them to write a whole sentence that describes who they are at their core and what makes them special (a kid-friendly introduction of the concept of the Self). Alternatively, you can use this activity with words such as GRATITUDE and POSITIVE. For each letter, try discussing qualities in people who are grateful and positive.

While we cannot protect children from disappointment and failure, we can equip them to approach situations with different perspectives. These tools will give children the power to change their attitude, draw-in gratitude, and maintain a positive outlook. 

Below are books about fostering a healthy positive attitude for children.

• Grumpy Monkey

• The Sour Grape 

• Moody Cow Meditates 

The Power of Intention

When the new year rolls around, do you find yourself under the scrutiny of “New Year’s Resolutions,” making a list of areas in which you need to change only to find that by Valentine’s Day your list has fallen by the wayside? You’re not alone! Many of us lean into the idea of New Year’s Resolutions, as they are great in theory; however they can also cause stress when we “fail” to achieve them.

This year, I am setting the tone for intention as opposed to resolution. In yoga, setting intention is called sankalpa, which is the Sanskrit word for “resolve.” Intention allows you to redefine what it means to set goals by removing the attachment to the outcome.

Resolutions are concrete goals, or a firm decision to do something. Intention, on the other hand, is a guided principle that you want to live by, or a manifestation of something you want to bring into your life. We can take our resolutions and shift them to be more amenable and kinder towards ourselves.

To differentiate intention versus resolution, you can focus on a feeling or a less specific goal such as I want to feel more gratitude in my day. Then, think of one manageable way you can achieve that goal and seamlessly incorporate into your day. While brushing your teeth at night, for instance, think of two things you are grateful for from your day. By adding a minute of gratitude to an already existing habit, you can slowly begin to incorporate your intentions without even realizing it.

Another way to set intention is to think of a desired outcome and call upon small steps. or changes, that you can do to shift your current state of mind. Instead of a resolution of “I have to lose 30lbs this year,” you can instead say “I am making decisions that are better for my body.” Then, think of small changes you can incorporate in your day or your week that are realistic for you. These can be big changes such as going to the gym three days a week, or smaller shifts such as taking a long walk on Sunday afternoons.

When we incorporate intention, think of slow shifts that you can make that are easily attainable and actionable for only you and your needs and your lifestyle. Remember, it’s about your journey to your higher self and not a final destination!